Invista, one of the largest integrated producers of polymers and fibres, and owner of the Lycra brand, has introduced the only commercial offering of a bio-derived spandex available globally and for use in a wide variety of apparel fabrics and garments.

Arnaud Tandonnet, Invista Apparel Global Sustainability Director, said: “We are very aware that sustainability topics are becoming increasingly important in the textile and apparel value chain, with growing awareness and building education on the subject at the consumer, brand/retail and mill level.”

“In our research facilities we have successfully produced the fibre and evaluated it in fabric applications. The production of commercial quantities is planned for the autumn/winter 2015 and spring/summer 2016 collections.  We look forward to working with our customers throughout the value chain as we expand this new development.”

Renewable source

Around 70% by weight of the new Lycra bio-derived spandex fibre comes from a renewable source made from dextrose derived from corn.

According to the company, the use of a renewable feedstock in the making of this new Lycra bio-derived fibre results in a lower CO2 emissions footprint than spandex produced using traditional raw materials.

Commitment to the industry

With the new Lycra brand offering, Invista is providing retailers and manufacturers of stretch fabrics a spandex fibre option that can impact the overall lifecycle analysis of the fabric and garment.

Dr Robert L. Kirkwood, Executive Vice President of Apparel Marketing and Technology, commented: “The bio-derived Lycra fibre offering is another example that confirms Invista’s commitment to the Apparel industry”.

Sustainability programme

Invista Apparel and Advanced Textiles business is committed to its own sustainability programme, Planet Agenda, which is focused on three main objectives:

• Minimising Invista environmental footprint by conserving resources, reducing emissions and eliminating waste at its manufacturing plants.
• Offering competitive products that meet the needs of the apparel markets using fewer resources and to enhance the environmental performance of all fabrics.
• Protecting the health and safety of our workers and communities and participating in local stewardship initiatives.

Invista

With leading brands including Lycra, Coolmax, Cordura, Stainmaster and Antron, Invista is one of the world’s largest integrated producers of chemical intermediates, polymers and fibres.

The company’s advantaged technologies for nylon, spandex and polyester are used to produce clothing, carpet, car parts and countless other everyday products. Headquartered in the United States, Invista operates in more than 20 countries.

www.invista.com